Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond is to receive extensive upgrades
and improvements during an upgrade and maintenance programme to be
undertaken by Babcock at the company's Devonport Royal
Dockyard. The docking period will draw on experience from
previous successful Type 23 refits and the close partnering
relationship between Babcock and the MoD.
An affordable, comprehensive work specification has been
developed, and production process improvements introduced,
capitalising on Babcock's valuable experience and lessons learnt
from previous Type 23 docking periods including HMS Westminster
and, currently, HMS Northumberland, to ensure that HMS Richmond's
10 month upgrade and maintenance programme will be delivered with
optimised efficiency and at minimised cost.
Following the signing of the contract last month, HMS Richmond
has now arrived in Devonport, where tank cleaning activities were
undertaken in readiness for docking this week, as well as early
surveys and pre-upkeep load trials, to confirm the full extent of
the work required.
Key work to be undertaken includes extensive improvements to the
venting system providing even distribution of fresh air, which will
significantly improve habitability for the crew on board. The
Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) (DII(F)), to provide an
information sharing and collaborative working capability across the
Armed Forces and MoD, is also to be installed, involving extensive
installation of power and data cables throughout the ship. A
number of upgrades are also being undertaken to key weapon and
communications systems, among them the DNA(2) Command System (which
requires the linking of every weapons system onboard and involves a
large set to work package); upgrades to 30mm Automatic Small
Calibre Guns; and the SeaWolf Mid Life Update (SWMLU) which will
provide an enhanced capability to the existing system to counter an
evolving anti-ship missile threat.
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter
Luff, said: "This refit work will see HMSRichmondfollow previous
Type 23 frigates in benefiting from a range of essential upgrades
that will maintain her at peak effectiveness. These frigates
continue to form the backbone of the Royal Navy's ability to deploy
worldwide in defence of the UK's interests."
The upkeep period is a challenging one due to the number of
capability upgrades and the extensive outer bottom hull repair and
represervation programme.
Commenting on the project, Babcock's Warship Support Head of
Operations, Devonport, Mike Weeks, said: "Our close working
relationship with the MoD Surface Combatants project team and
extensive experience gained from similar successful projects on HMS
Westminster and HMS Northumberland will be key to delivering this
upgrade and maintenance programme on HMS Richmond successfully,
safely and at optimum value for money. We look forward to
returning her to quality, in-budget, and on-schedule."
Peter Mercier, MoD Project Contract Manager (SFM), commented:
"We look forward to continuing to build on the excellent working
relationship with Babcock from the previous upkeeps."
HMS Richmond will return to the fleet in summer 2012.